Little Vikings Magazine (Issue 25)

York for kids Issue 25

FREE

May/June 2018

The Best Things to do in York this Season

ME AND MY BEE SH... BANG! INSIDE

KATIE’S BIRTHDAY PARTY

CHOCOLATE CAKE

CLOUD TALES

KEEPY UPPY

A SQUARE WORLD

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Hello and welcome to our fourth birthday issue!

Issue 25 marks four years of Little Vikings in print (and a whopping five online).

Huge thanks to all our lovely readers, and to the fantastic businesses who work with us. Why not join our celebrations by making a chocolate cake (see inside for our recipe)? We’ve also got a host of ideas for things to do this May half term, as well as our top events to book ahead for.

Enjoy the sunshine and see you for the big one: the summer holidays!

All at Little Vikings HQ x

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Since last issue, we’ve...

• Welcomed hundreds of you to our tent at the York Easter Family Festival. We hope you enjoyed the show!

• Had a lovely day out at Saltaire, including a walk along the canal and lunch at Salts Mill • Been walking the city walls with our children - it’s great as long as they aren’t scared of heights!

• Been planning a fun family event with our partners, York Theatre Royal, for the new Bloom!

Festival. Watch this space for details.

• Had a tasty afternoon tea at The Principal Hotel with our eldest. Find the review on our website

Little Vikings is an independent publication, founded and run by a York family. We publish six issues a year to coincide with the school holidays, reaching over 30,000 readers. We are also online every day at little-vikings.co.uk. Contact us at hello@little-vikings.co.uk. Always check details before you travel as things can change.

Spring days out and activities

Nature at Nunnington Hall

Party celebrations at York Castle Museum

From bug hunting and bird watching to bird box or feeder making, have a nature adventure at Nunnington Hall.

You might even meet (and hold!) a cockroach or lizard. See if you can spot a peacock, have a game of pooh sticks and lounge in the gardens. Why not get dirty at the mud pie kitchen too (pack extra clothes!)?

The Museum’s 80th birthday celebrations continue, with birthday crafts and games, a celebration trail (50p) and a chance to find out more about the history of party food. There’s always lots to see and do, and under 17s go free (as do YMT Card holders).

Happy birthday to one of our favourite museums!

Nunnington, York YO62 5UY - Sunday 27th to Monday 28th May 2018, 10.30am to 4pm - nationaltrust. org.uk/nunnington-hall

The Eye of York, York YO1 9RY Saturday 26th May to Sunday 3rd June 2018 - yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

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Animal encounters with ZooLab at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens

Explore and Play at Beningbrough Hall Get stuck into activities from bug hunting to building a mini raft and tick them off from the National Trust ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ play list. Pick up an explorer backpack, set off on an adventure and take a closer look at what flies above and hides below. If you’re frequent visitors to the play area, you’ll be pleased to hear that you can now get a coffee from the new little cafe in the courtyard. Great news for tired parents!

Join the ZooLab rangers for an exciting animal handling experience at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens near Doncaster this half term. It’s not every day that you get to meet incredible animals like snakes, scorpions and tarantulas. Tickets will be available to purchase at the site on the day.

Brodsworth also has stunning gardens and big spaces to run around, making it ideal for a spring day out with active kids.

Beningbrough, York YO30 1DD - Saturday 27 May to Sunday 3 June, 10.30am to 5pm (special led activities on selected days). See the website for what’s on when nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbrough

Brodsworth, Doncaster DN5 7XJ – Zoolab’s Animal Encounters – 26th May to 3rd June, 11am to 5pm english-heritage.org.uk/brodsworth

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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May/June - Issue 25

If you’re happy and you know it at York Art Gallery

Pick some spring goodies at The Balloon Tree

As the adult colouring book trend shows, making art can improve your wellbeing. Drop in to the Studio to paint, draw, doodle and relax to your heart’s content. Included in admission price; all materials provided. There’s a lot for children to do at York Art Gallery, with plenty of hands-on activities. If you’ve never been to the gardens behind the Gallery, now’s your chance. They’re one of York’s hidden gems and a perfect place to enjoy a bit of spring sunshine (fingers crossed).

Weather gods permitting, strawberries will be ready to pick at The Balloon Tree this half term (or you can pick up a punnet from the shop if you’d rather let someone else do the hard work).

Why not try out the new spring cafe menu while the kids play on the new tractor in the play area? There’s a pick your own children’s trail, too.

Exhibition Square, York YO1 7EW - Saturday 26th May to Sunday 3rd June 2018 - 11am to 1pm & 2pm to 4pm- yorkartgallery.org.uk

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A trip to The Balloon Tree always feels like you’re in the heart of the countryside, but you’re just 15 minutes from York city centre.

Stamford Bridge Road, York YO41 1NB - open daily - theballoontree.co.uk

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Explore miles of footpaths, world-class bike trails, Go Ape and Tree Top Junior, Forest Segway, bike hire, play areas, picnic sites, cafes, fantastic scenery and Dalby Activity Centre.

5 miles north-east of Pickering. Parking charges apply. Discovery Pass available. For more information call 01751 460295 or visit:

dalbyforestfc

@dalbyforest

forestry.gov.uk/dalbyforest www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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May/June - Issue 25

Meet Ben & Holly or Peppa & George at Flamingo Land Pre-school heroes, Ben and Holly (26th May) and Peppa and George (6th June) will be making guest appearances at Flamingo Land this half term. While you’re there, don’t miss the Peter Rabbit Adventure, with Jeremy Fisher’s musical pond, a secret treehouse and more. There are plenty of bigger rides and activities for big kids, and lots of incredible animals too. Aston Merrygold headlines Flamingo Land’s Party in the Park on Saturday 2nd June.

Visit the website for details.

Kirby Misperton, Malton, YO17 6UX - flamingoland.co.uk

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Love Your Aquarium Week at The Deep It’s Love Your Zoo and Aquarium Week across the UK, and The Deep is running special events to celebrate.

Learn all about local wildlife and how to protect it, take part in daily pond dipping sessions and plant your own wildlife seeds to take home.

The Deep is a place that appeals to all ages: little ones can get close enough to the tanks to be completely mesmerised, while older children will learn loads about what lurks beneath the surface. Don’t forget that your tickets are valid for a year.

Tower Street, Hull HU9 1TU - 26th May to 3rd June 2018 - thedeep.co.uk

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May/June - Issue 25

Discover Dracula at Whitby Abbey Whitby is known for its Dracula connection, but do you know the story? Watch a live performance of Bram Stoker’s gothic story in the ruins that inspired him and enjoy a trip to this spectacular site above the seaside town. Tickets for the show will be available to purchase at the site on the day. As it’s spring - and in theory slightly warmer - why not brave the steps down to the town and enjoy fish and chips or an ice cream on the beach?

Abbey Lane, Whitby YO22 4JT - 26th to 28th May 2018, 11am – 5pm english-heritage.co.uk/whitby

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A Legionary’s Life at the Yorkshire Museum Be put through your paces as you take part in a recruitment process to see if you measure up to be enlisted into the Roman Army! Learn about Lucius, Standard Bearer for the Ninth Legion, and make your own Eagle of the Ninth standard. There are also special Museum Monkeys sessions on 2nd and 3rd June for under 5s (book online). It’s all part of this year’s Eboracum Roman Festival - read on for more details.

Yorkshire Museum, Museum Gardens, York YO1 7FR- Saturday 26th May to Sunday 3rd June 2018, 11am to 1pm & 2pm to 4pm - yorkshiremuseum.org.uk

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May/June - Issue 25

Mayhem at Piglets Head to Piglets this half term for some serious circus fun. With death defying stunts, upside-down juggling and amazing acrobatics in the big top tent, it’s unmissable fun for the entire family from 26th May to 3rd June 2018. Take a tractor ride to the bale play Baaarn with its giant drop slides, straw bale mountain, junior tractor drivers’ area, rope swing and dig’n’play - ideal if the weather’s not great. Outside, there’s the usual Piglets fun, from bouncing pillows to crazy golf, barrel rides and more.

Stretch your legs at Dalby Forest Make the most of the warmer days with a trip to Dalby Forest, one of our favourite days out of town. It’s a bargain and absolutely lovely: just pay to park, then choose a walk to suit your family (that’s if you can extract them from the excellent adventure playground). Bikes are available to hire, and there’s a Highway Rat trail, too.

Find more details at forestry.gov.uk/dalbyforest

Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York YO32 9ST pigletsadventurefarm.com

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BACK FOR 2018!

Family Fun this Summer!

Monstersaurus Baby Loves Disco Hyena Lounge Kids Comedy Club Any Suggestions, Doctor?

An Improvised Adventure in Space & Time

Chickenshed Theatre

Workshops, Planet Play & Tales from the Shed

Amazing Bubble Man Morgan & West’s Magic Show For Kids (and childish grown-ups!)

West End Magic Children’s Magic Workshops And Much Much More for all ages including

Reginald D Hunter, Michael Palin, Omid Djalili, the GYF Dog Show and Feastival in Parliament Street!

19 - 29 July

Returning to Parliament Street and locations in the heart of York For events and to book tickets:11 www.greatyorkshirefringe.com www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK May/June - Issue 25

Enter the charming world of Beatrix Potter at Castle Howard Attention all fans of Beatrix Potter: Castle Howard has a half term treat for you!

There’s a host of Potter-inspired activities going on, from a live performance (tickets required) to trails and more. Gobbledigook Theatre will present ‘The Tales of Beatrix Potter,’ an interactive theatre production for all ages. With a national reputation for creating imaginative twists on classic family stories, they’ll bring your favourite furry friends to life in a show inspired by the muchloved characters and world-renowned books. Join Beatrix Potter and her gang on an adventure full of mischief and mayhem around Castle Howard’s iconic grounds.

Beatrix Potter’s animal friends will also be taking up residence throughout the House as part of an indoor trail and you can meet the live characters from the show in the gardens before each performance. You can also take part in an outdoor hunt around ‘Mr McGregor’s’ walled garden!

Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA - Saturday 26th May to Sunday 3rd June - visit castlehoward.co.uk for full details and to book tickets Issue 25

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Let’s go fly a kite at Scarborough Castle’s Kite Festival!

Get to grips with the art of kite flying at Scarborough Castle this May bank holiday. Expert kite flyers will be there to impress, with synchronised demonstrations to music on the spectacular headland. Bring your own kite to have a go yourself or you can even make one while you’re there! Pack a picnic for a perfect day out (and don’t forget there’s a little tearoom for ice creams, sandwiches and hot drinks too). Why not take a wander down to the beach afterwards? We’re big fans of Scarborough and always run out of time before we’ve done everything. Top tip: set off before the A64 wakes up!

Scarborough Castle – Kite Festival – 26th May to 28th May 2018 - 11am to 5pm - Buy tickets online, by phone or on the day - english-heritage.org.uk/scarborough-castle www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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May/June - Issue 25

Little Feet Festival is Back!

Little Feet is a fantastic festival of theatre for 0 to 12 year olds at York Theatre Royal. This year’s shows and activities have a ‘parties and celebrations’ theme, and the foyer will be transformed into a playful wonderland where you can drop in and see what you discover. Visit the website for all the details, but here’s a few of the highlights.

Bring Your Own Baby Workshop (0 to 12 months): Reconnect with yourself, your baby and other parents through singing, gentle movement, tea and biscuits!

Cloud Tales (3 to 8 years): Meet two cloud spotters with Mud Pie Arts. Become a cloud spotter yourself and finish the cloud tales!

Me & My Bee (5+): Save the world one bee at a time with this family comedy.

Chocolate Cake (4+): Follow the adventures of two brothers and the mysterious night-time disappearance of a chocolate cake in this scrumptious new musical adaptation of Michael Rosen’s Chocolate Cake, by the team that adapted We’re Going On A Bear Hunt.

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Dinosaur World Live (3+): Grab your compass and join an intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and very life-like) dinosaurs with this new interactive show for all the family.

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You know someone like him - except his best friend is a robot. Join him on a roller coaster of laughter, tears, music and games - you might even change the ending!

Little Feet runs from Tuesday 12th to Saturday 16th June 2018 - Visit yorktheatreroyal.co.uk for details and to book

Fun in the sun

Footloose, 47 Market Place, Pocklington,York,YO42 2AP T: 01759 301 201 | E: Footlooseshoes@btconnect.com New website: www.footlooseshoes.co.uk www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK 15 | RICOSTA | GEOX | PRIMIGI May/June| -RICHTER Issue 25 BIRKENSTOCK | SALT-WATER | START-RITE

Calling all little Romans! The Eboracum Roman Festival Returns!

We had a cracking time at last year’s Eboracum Roman Festival, immersing ourselves in all things Roman, chatting to ‘real’ Roman soldiers, discovering more about how the Romans lived and watching parades and demonstrations.

The Roman camp is fabulous, and there’s a real buzz that our kids really enjoyed. This year’s festival runs from 1st to 3rd June, with the hub in the York Museum Gardens. Going much further back in time, if you’ve not yet visited the Yorkshire’s Jurassic World exhibition at the Yorkshire Museum, why not do that, too? It’s worth it alone for the chance to feed a dinosaur (with the aid of a handy virtual reality headset!).

For more details of exactly what’s happening, visit yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk

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MINIFIGS & BRICKS We offer a unique shopping experience for ® LEGO fans of all ages.

New and pre-loved sets Minifigures (including build your own) 1000's of bricks and pieces you can buy by weight like a giant pic'n'mix Collectables (including sets & minifigs) Come and play in our dedicated ® LEGO room which has a massive brick pit and build tables for children and adults.

Simply pay by the hour and use your creativity to build something truly unique.

At the end of the session you can even buy what you have built!

Not creative? Choose from one of our 200+ sets to build.

Looking for a new and exciting party experience for your child and their friends? ®

We now host LEGO Brick Parties designed for 5-12 year olds which are structured to keep children focused and engaged at all times.

Visit www.brick-party.co.uk or

/ BrickPartyYork

Or call Bev on 07746 598865 for more details.

Wigginton Road, York YO32 2RH Tel. 01904 690527

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www.minifigsandbricks.co.uk / MinifigsAndBricks

LEGO® is a registered trademark of The LEGO Group. Minifigs & Bricks is in no way ® or The LEGO Group.

endorsed by, representative of or officially associated with LEGO www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK 17

May/June - Issue 25

Littlest Vikings: Forest School Fun For Little Ones!

As the weather perks up, it’s the perfect time to get into the outdoors and celebrate the warmer days and arrival of spring. Forest school sessions are a great way for children to engage with nature, get creative and gain confidence. Children from as young as 18 months can join the fun - wellies recommended! Older children don’t miss out though; there are sessions for children up to eleven, too. Here are a couple of our favourite forest schools in York, tried and tested by our own children and given the Little Vikings seal of approval.

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The Woodland Adventure Company If you’re looking for a holiday forest school adventure, The Woodland Adventure Company has plenty to choose from. Based at their site in Stamford Bridge, there are themed sessions to appeal to all, and plenty of chance to get hands-on and engage with nature while having plenty of fun. Their popular birthday parties run here too. If you’ve never tried fire-popped popcorn, this might just be your chance.

Visit thewoodlandadventurecompany.co.uk

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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May/June - Issue 25

Wild Things Family Forest School Wild Things is passionate about getting children and parents outdoors to explore, develop their imagination, and be creative. Weekly term-time sessions are for children from 18 months to four years old and their parents. There are also holiday and weekend sessions, and birthday parties can be arranged too. All sessions run in the grounds of Millthorpe School and end with a warming hot chocolate and marshmallow toasting!

Visit wildthingsyork.co.uk

Breaking news! New classes in York for little ones Reading Fairy Fun classes for one to five-year-olds, designed to develop the building blocks for reading and language development. Meet Phonic Fox, Music Mouse, Chat Cat and Book Bear.

For more details, visit facebook.com/readingfairyyork Move with Peppa Fans of Peppa Pig (and who isn’t?) will enjoy this movement, activity and dance class for 18 months to 5-year-olds.

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Brewtown Brewery Tours Brewtown Brewery Tours provides the ultimate experience of brewery tours in Yorkshire. We offer a fun, laid back touring experience with fellow beer lovers, giving our guests unrestricted access to some of the best beer in the county. Our knowledge of the local beer scene and our great relationships with local breweries create a VIP tour experience for our guests – every tour is different, and every brewery has something unique to offer.

Meet the big names and rising stars of the county’s craft brewing scene on our never-before-available Yorkshire brewery tours.

Lasting for around half a day, our tours are all inclusive so once you join us you won’t have to worry about a thing along the way.

So if you’re interested in connecting with Yorkshire’s craft beer community, hop aboard the Brewtown minibus and join us for a tour.

Book now & grab a seat on the next bus!

01904 636666 hello@brewtowntours.co.uk brewtowntours.co.uk

SCIENCE, TECH, ENGINEERING, ART, MATHS WORK SHOP S & EVENTS. www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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May/June - Issue 25

Little Vikings Eat at… Humpit Hummus Eating out with a three-year-old has its challenges. Our youngest loves having lunch out, but her patience is limited: unless there’s a large ice cream linger over, she has an ordereat-leave approach. If I’m lucky, we might have a brief chat about who did what at nursery, but she’s usually ready to leave after fifteen minutes.

My quest for somewhere for a quick, healthy lunch together took us to Humpit Hummus shortly after it opened.

This new hummus and pita bar is new to York but has been thriving in Leeds and Sheffield for a while. The concept is simple: a plant-based menu built around hummus, pita bread and falafels. We order at the counter and happily take the advice of our friendly server: there’s a variety of combinations to choose from, from filled pita to the option of building your own salad bowl.

I decide to keep it simple with the Humpit Classic: a bowl of hummus with whole chickpeas, paprika, olive oil and pickles and a pita to scoop it up with.

The hummus is a world away from the supermarket version that lives in our fridge (I’ve tried making my own but it’s never the same): Humpit hummus is much smoother and has a tang of tahini, offset by the parsley and paprika. I really like it, but the three-year-old - who has the kids’ hummus bowl (£3 eatin, comes with pita) - is less convinced. She works her way through the whole chickpeas, chomps half of her pita and decimates the delicious falafels that Issue 25

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we’ve ordered on the side, but pokes at the hummus suspiciously. That’s fine - all the more for me. We wash it all down with a virtuous freshly squeezed carrot and ginger juice.

It’s a relaxed place to eat, with a reassuring amount of background music (ideal when accompanied by shouty children) and a welcoming, buzzy atmosphere. The fact that the food is healthy, tasty and won’t break the bank is a bonus.

Humpit Hummus, 12a Church Street, York YO1 8BE - humpit-hummus.com

Half-term adventures Add some colourand to at Nunnington your weekend this Beningbrough

autumn at Gibside Get stuck into '50 things to do before you're 11 3/4' nature Go crunching through fallen leaves and discover a forest activities this bank holiday teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking routes for all ages and abilities. weekend and half-term. nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside Call 01439 748283 (Nunnington) 01904 472027 (Beningbrough) for details nationaltrust.org.uk/nunnington or /beningbrough When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your helps usTrust to look 2018. after special places <in the region> <like ©support National The National property property Y and Proeprty Z> in for ever, for everyone.

Trust isX,an independent registered

charity, number 205846. © National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK #nationaltrust 23 Photography © National Trust Images. #nationaltrust Images\John Millar.

May/June - Issue 25

Summer’s coming - it’s time to get organised!

These are set to be some of the highlights of summer in York this year. Get the dates in your diary and book soon to avoid disappointment!

Bloom!

York’s first celebration of all things floral takes place from 5th to 8th July and promises a whole host of flowerrelated activities and events. Top of our list, of course, is the free event we’re hosting with York Theatre Royal on Saturday 7th July from 10.30am to 3.30pm (hourly drop-in workshops; no ticket required). Little Vikings and York Theatre Royal invite you and your little ones to get creative and help us create a large-scale widow

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mural in the theatre foyer windows for BLOOM! Festival. Join our handson workshops led by professional illustrators Buttercrumble and unleash your imagination. Plus take home your own illustrated memento of the day. No experience necessary – all materials will be provided.

FREE - York Theatre Royal, Café Foyer

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Great Yorkshire Fringe The Great Yorkshire Fringe is back with family shows galore. Monstersaurus tops the bill, and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s magic, music and bubbles, too. For date nights or mate nights, take a look at the wide variety of comedy, music and general silliness.

Visit greatyorkshirefringe.com

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Helping your child be the best that they can with the gifts that they have.

Welcoming day students from 3 months to 19 years and boarders from 6 years to 19 years.

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK Thorpe Underwood Hall, Ouseburn, York, YO26 25 9SS

May/June - Issue 25 | www.qe.org | info@qe.org | 01423 333330

Deer Shed Festival 9 Just a hop, skip and jump from York is this fantastic family-friendly festival.

Enjoy live music, an amazing science tent, tons of crafty workshops, comedy and much more. We went last year and the whole family loved it.

Visit deershedfestival.com

Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre We can’t not mention the brand new pop-up Rose Theatre, arriving in York on 25th June and running until early September. Introduce older children to the classics or take the whole family to the village area (no ticket required) to soak up the atmosphere. A great date night option, too. Romeo and Juliet, anyone?

Visit shakespearesrosetheatre.com

The Secret Garden at York Theatre Royal Mary Lennox is a spoilt girl growing up in luxury in India. When she suddenly finds herself living with an uncle in Misselthwaite Manor on the Yorkshire Moors, mystery and adventure ensue. Enjoy this classic English tale, adapted for the stage with puppets and a stunning score. There’s a special family ticket price of £50 (4 people; max 2 adults).

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Cafe & Garden A great family experience!

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May/June - Issue 25

Little Vikings Try Brewtown Brewery Tours: A Father’s Day Treat Dads are awesome, but they’re also notoriously difficult to buy for.

So how’s this for a Father’s Day idea: a tour of some of Yorkshire’s craft breweries with Brewtown Brewery Tours? As you might know, we like to try out the things we recommend to you, so with that in mind we sent Mr Viking and one of his beer-admiring compadres off on the Brewtown minibus to enjoy a whistle stop tour of some of Leeds’ finest breweries. Here’s how they got on.

How it works There are Leeds, Malton and a couple of York tours to choose from, each on a different day of the week. Each takes in a few breweries. You may have heard of some of the breweries but the tour will also introduce you to some hidden gems.

During the five or so hours of the tour, Mark, the friendly and knowledgeable guide, and designated driver, transports the small groups in the snazzy Brewtown minibus and is happy to field questions about all things beer and more besides. He is an experienced host and creates a fun, relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere amongst the group. At each brewery there’s plenty of time to sample the beers along with an insight into how the beer is made, what goes into creating the flavours and the story behind it.

What we did We did the Leeds tour. Mark picks up either from home if it’s on the way, York centre or Leeds station. Quirky Ales, Northern Monk Brew Co. and North Brewing Co. were all on the agenda. First stop, Quirky Ales for a lesson in the history of brewing to set the scene for the afternoon by retired policeman and owner Mike Quirk. It is a fantastic micro-brewery with tap room attached. As well as sampling Mike’s beers, it was a nice touch that we were given a bottle to take away so that we could finish off the fermentation at home. Next was Northern Monk, a much bigger operation with a buzzing atmosphere and a great selection of beers, including a sour beer that Mark was keen we try (all I will say is keep an open mind!). Finally, onto North Brewing Co. It has a great vibe in the summer months with the Eat North food fair and what better way to finish off a great afternoon than enjoying some summer evening sun and tucking into some delicious food to soak up the alcohol.

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York Dance Works

Top tip

Mini All Stars Musical Theatres Street Dance Ballet Ballroom Contemporary Jazz Tap

Get a pass out for the evening/next morning. Mark will drop off at Leeds station or bring you back to York. Alternatively he will drop you at Brew York or suggest somewhere else if you want to make a night of it.

To find out more about Brewtown Tours, and to book, visit brewtowntours.co.uk

1st two classes half price* Enrolling now, spaces in adult & childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classes for May & June

07981 553465 yorkdanceworks@live.co.uk www.yorkdanceworks.co.uk * please mention Little Vikings

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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May/June - Issue 25

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A Grand Day Out at Summit Indoor Adventure The Yellow Brick Road it ain’t, but it turns out that the A19 leads to somewhere almost as exciting as Oz: Summit Indoor Adventure in Selby. We headed across one rainy Sunday to see what it has to offer and left several hours later, wondering if there’s anything that it doesn’t offer.

What it is Summit is a one-stop shop for energetic children from crawling upwards. There’s a big soft play area with separate toddler zone, climbing walls, a scooter/bike/skateboard area, aerial trek and ski simulators. You can book each activity individually and there are various packages if you’d like to combine a couple. Activities can be booked online, which is worth doing as it can get busy.

What we did We booked our two eldest children (8 and 5) into the adventure climbing zone. Housed within the soft play area - but safely away from clambering youngsters - it’s a brilliant facility. Our 8 year-old couldn’t believe his eyes: it’s a riot of colour and has been cleverly designed to get children excited about climbing. There are twenty routes, each with a different challenge.

After a safety briefing from the instructors, the children had just under an hour to climb to their heart’s content. Ours clambered up tyres, scaled houses and jumped from great heights, all while safely clipped into their harness. It’s great fun and they didn’t want to leave. In the meantime, our three-year-old was as happy as Larry in the soft play area: three storeys of climbing frames, swings, slides and more. It’s suitable for children up to eleven and has so much to do that the only problem is getting them out. It’s no surprise that it gets busy, too: birthday parties galore and lots of families with the same idea make this a popular place.

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Food and drink There’s a meal deal package with each of the activities, which is worth considering if you think you’ll eat. We paid £14 for each child to climb and have lunch, which seems good value. You can eat within the play area but we opted to eat in the diner instead - there’s no chance our kids would have sat down to eat if they could see something to climb up or slide down. Food is standard diner-style fayre, with pizzas, burgers and American-style sharing platters the order of the day. Staff are friendly and service is quick. You can even have a quick game of pool while you wait or watch families bowl (did we mention that there’s bowling, too? This place really does have it all!).

Good to know It’s right next door to Selby Leisure Centre which has a decent swimming pool with smaller children’s pool: worth knowing if you fancy combining it with a swim. There are lots of party packages available.

The verdict We were really impressed by Summit Indoor Adventure.

There really is something for children of all ages, and the only limitation is how much energy you all have. We left with three very happy, tired children who didn’t want to go home and spent the journey home asking when we can go back. The answer? Soon.

Summit Indoor Adventure, Scott Road, Selby YO8 4BL summitindooradventure.co.uk www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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May/June - Issue 25

Summer holiday childcare sorted: Book your clubs and camps now While kids love the prospect of the longest holiday of the year, it’s not always so appealing for working parents who have to perform the mother of all juggling acts.

Holiday clubs are a great solution, and there are loads to choose from in York.

Our kids tried out a day camp with Technology in Play during the Easter holidays and I couldn’t believe how much they enjoyed it - having been reluctant to leave the house, they came home buzzing and keep asking when they can go back. Here’s what they have coming up this summer.

Amazing anatomy: Be prepared to get messy and be amazed by all the weird and wonderful ( and gross!) things our perfectly designed bodies can do!

Intergalactic Discovery: Hold on tight for a crazy day filled with mind-blowing discovery... its space but not as you know it!!!

Dig Through Time: Step into our interactive time machine, where we will visit ancient civilizations and then zoom back to the future.. and see what history says about us!

Super Powers Unleashed: Real life Heroes don’t always wear capes.. but some do. Extraordinary humans are everywhere... could you be one of them??!

TiP: Camera:Action: Hello?? Its Hollywood calling.... the next blockbuster has your name all over it. TiP unveils the secrets of STEM in cinema, where STEAM comes to life.

For all the details of venues, dates and prices, visit technologyinplay.club.

Issue 25

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Here are some of our other favourite holiday camps and classes: York Sport - For lots of sporty fun.

Visit york-sport.com York City Football Club Foundation Footballing fun with the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soccer legends yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk/ club/foundation Wild Things Forest School - Fun forest school sessions from the grounds of Millthorpe School wildthingsyork.co.uk York Theatre Royal - A play in a week and other drama-based fun.

Visit yorktheatreroyal.com The Woodland Adventure Co. - For one-off themed holiday sessions at Stamford Bridge. thewoodlandadventurecompany.co.uk

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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May/June - Issue 25

YORK CHILDCARE day nurseries

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YORK CHILDCARE

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out of school management service

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St Barnabas Out of School Club

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WESTBANK PARK

Heathers Day Nursery

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For your all year round childcare needs from babies to teens visit: www.yorkchildcare.co.uk

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The Playden Out of School Club

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Dringhouses Out of

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25 years of Childcare in York Kool Kids Out of School Club

RAWCLIFFE

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Josephs Day Nursery

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PRESCHOOL AND OUT OF SCHOOL CLUB

Over the Rainbow Day Care

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CLIFTON

HOMESTEAD PARK

HOLGATE

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houses Out of School Club

ted Day Nurseries | Management support for 6 Out of School Clubs www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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May/June - Issue 25

Date night…. at Bill’s I’ll be honest: when we’re deciding where to eat on a rare night without the kids, the last place we’ll consider is somewhere that we sometimes take the children for lunch. So when we were invited for dinner a deux at Bill’s, we jumped at the chance to enjoy the restaurant without having to cajole someone into eating their veg.

In the evening, Bill’s has quite a different vibe. It’s still relaxed and rustic - think exposed brickwork, reclaimed furniture, vintage fittings and livedin wood and leather - but with a nighttime twinkle. The lights are low, the candelabra lit and romance is definitely on the menu. Speaking of the menu, the evening choices are the same as you’ll find at lunch: the all-day menu is served from midday and features old classics and the Bill’s take on British cooking. Such an array made choosing difficult, so we started with a veggie mezze sharing platter that included grilled garlic mushrooms, a tasty tomato hummus and piping hot breaded halloumi sticks. We polished off the lot and managed not to fall out over who got the last halloumi stick (they’re gooood).

Our mains arrived quickly - service was fast and friendly throughout - and didn’t disappoint. We’d both ordered burgers - one lamb, one halloumi which came piled with serious extras, from garlic lemon mayo to whipped lemon feta. Both were served with fries, for which we award many brownie points; we take a dim view of burger joints where fries need to be ordered separately. They’re also generous: I managed half before admitting defeat.

It would have been remiss not to explore the pudding offerings, so we shared a melting chocolate Issue 25

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ru

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bombe to finish. And finish us off it did: this is a love letter to chocolate, with brownie chunks, chocolate sauce, ice cream and honeycomb, topped off with a chocolate dome, melted by the warm salted caramel sauce. Not one for dieters, but if you can’t indulge on a rare night off, when can you?

There’s a lot to like about Bill’s, from the variety of dishes to the friendly staff and laid-back atmosphere. It transforms well from a daytime eatery to a sparkly evening destination and is in the perfect location to go on for a drink or two afterwards. Oh, and did I mention the halloumi?

Bills, 12 Coney St, York YO1 9NA - bills-restaurants.co.uk/york AS SEEN ON

MAKE YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT MORE FUN!

TRY RUGBYTOTS

Our dynamic weekly play sessions enable boys and girls aged 2–7 to develop their social and physical skills in a fun, positive environment. For more details, just call or email.

0345 313 6716

york@rugbytots.co.uk

rugbytots.co.uk

The world’s favourite rugby play programme www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

37

May/June - Issue 25

Little Vikings make… a Rainbow Blower Spring is teasing us, with glorious sunshine followed by buckets of rain. Here’s a craft idea that will cheer up any gloomy day and have you dreaming of beautiful blue skies.

3. Taking an assortment of rainbow coloured sheets of tissue, cut long strips of each colour and using the sellotape, stick each strip to the inside of the toilet roll to form a rainbow.

How to make it 1. Cut out a section of blue tissue paper and completely cover your toilet roll using the glue.

2. Cut out a section of white tissue paper, rip it into tiny bits and roll it up into little balls.

Using the glue, stick the balls onto the toilet roll to form white fluffy clouds Thanks to Gemma from Hoglets for providing the craft.

Hoglets runs weekly drama and storytelling classes in York for babies and toddlers from 0-5 years.

See www.hoglets.org.uk for more info.

Issue 25

4. Now blow.... you have a colourful rainbow to brighten your skies whatever the weather!

You will need • A toilet roll • An assortment of coloured tissue paper • Scissors • A roll of sellotape • Glue 38 www.little-vikings.co.uk

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MAY-HEM CIRCUS Crazy upside down juggling / death defying stunts / amazing acrobatics / Big Top Tent / Bale Play Baaarn, tractor & trailer rides plus all the usual adventure farm fun ay â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 26 Mune 3J Boo Discou k n Ticketted Onlines

PIGLETS, NR YORK YO32 9ST TEL 01904 499183 PIGLETSADVENTUREFARM.COM

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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May/June - Issue 25

Little Vikings bake... a birthday cake The Little Vikings magazine is 4 years old! We’re going to be celebrating 25 issues of bringing the best things to do for kids to York families with a slice of this delicious cake. Why don’t you join us?

Method Preheat the oven to 180 degrees/160 fan/gas mark 4. Butter two 18cm sandwich tins and line the bases with greaseproof paper.

In a cup, melt the cocoa powder with 3 tbsp of boiling water. Allow to cool.

Put all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl and beat together until combined. Do this in a electric mixer if you have one.

Divide the mixture between the two tins and bake in the oven for 20 - 25 minutes (keep checking from 20 mins). When cooked, put onto a wire rack, then tip out of their tins once cool enough. Allow to cool completely and then ice.

To make the icing, melt the butter in a pan over a low heat and then stir in the cocoa powder. Stir in the milk and icing sugar until combined, then cool before icing the cake. Ice the cake - in the middle and on top - and decorate as you like.

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Ingredients Cake • 175g unsalted butter, softened • 130g caster sugar • 1 ½ teaspoons cocoa powder • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder • 175g self-raising flour • 3 eggs, beaten Fudge icing • 50g unsalted butter • 25g cocoa powder • 2 tablespoons milk • 225g icing sugar 40 www.little-vikings.co.uk

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Open Morning, Saturday 9 June Book your place: www.cliftonyork.org.uk 01904 527 372

Clifton St Olave’s St Peter’s 3–8 8–13 13–18 Registered Charity Number: 1141329

CH I L D RE N ’ S PA RT IES

004 STP Clifton Little Vikings April ad AW.indd 1

tour roup ry g e t va Sto a pri ocolate ng y o j n h ini w E ork’s C terta of Y a fun en y led b a d i with u g e s-on ocolated n a op ch th w Ge onalised g worksh s n i r k e sive p ma exclu y o j n wE f the afé use o on and c i t c a attr tions g op t a b ty lo w Par a whole and available more

www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

30/04/2018 08:44

“The children have talked of nothing else since, they enjoyed every minute of it”

www.yorkschocolatestory.com call 01904 527723 or events@yorkschocolatestory.com for more details

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“My daughter described it as the best party ever”

May/June - Issue 25

Where does Napoloeon keep his armies?

Up his sleevies!

Why did the dinosaur cross the road?

Because chickens hadn’t been invented yet!

What is a robot’s favourite kind of music?

Heavy metal!

Why did the toilet roll run down the hill?

To get to the bottom!

What did the sink say to the tap?

What’s a puppy’s favourite pizza?

You’re a real drip!

Pupperoni!

What did one tomato say to the other?

2 for 1 STUDIO FEE

I’ll ketchup with you later!

Rainbows Ceramics Painting Studio 15/17 Bootham, York YO30 7BW

VALID MON - FRI ONLY WITH THIS PRINTED COUPON. Not valid for pre-booked parties or eve bookings. Exp.10th June 2018.

10% off baby & pre school swimming Call 07825 269146 to book (New customers only ­ please quote Issue 25 Little Vikings when booking)

42 www.little-vikings.co.uk

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Pottery painting fun in the centre of York!

Rainbows Ceramics Painting Studio, 15/17 Bootham, York YO30 7BW. Tel: 01904 675533 www.rainbowsceramics.co.uk FB: Rainbows Ceramics Painting Studio OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! LATE NIGHT THURS UNTIL 7PM!

ant esvery child to love w ter lly. a wimm w e W ing, respect the autifu e and swim b

e. qu i n u h is c a o Aquanatal ppr a Tha r classes ou t’s wh d n a y our stand Baby and ards are the highest Pre-school Age 0-4

Join any

time Classes available at ROKO Health Club, New Earswick, Energise (hydrotherapy pool) and Archbishop Holgate’s School.

T: 07825 269146 E: york@puddleducks.com Find out more: puddleducks.com www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK 43 May/June - Issue 25

Why Little Vikings loves... a walk along York’s city walls It’s completely free!

Plenty of places to hop on and off so you can break up the walk for little legs If you’re lucky, you’ll see lots of daffodils or blossom

Issue 25

It’s fun to see the city from a different angle

It’s steeped in history and one of York’s most iconic attractions

You might stumble across a museum or coffee shop en route

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#EboracumRomanFestival

The armies of ancient Rome are marching on York this summer complete with military parades, birds of prey displays, a living history camp, a kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s army and much more for the whole family to enjoy!

Find out more at yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk www.facebook.com/LittleVikingsUK

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Photograph courtesy of Jo Rutherford Photography

24177 YMT Eboracum Roman Festival 2018 Little Vikings Ad ART.indd 1

May/June - Issue 25 26/04/2018 12:15

Kids Go

FREE

*

AS OPENED BY

SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH Discover more at yorkshiremuseum.org.uk go FREE25 – Children 16 and under go free with a paying adult;46 www.little-vikings.co.uk maximum 4 children per adult. Information correct at time of print. *Kids Issue

24193 YMT Jurassic Now Open Little Vikings Ad May 2018.indd 1

26/04/2018 12:13